4 - TIME NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
VERNON VIPERS
1995 - 2023

VERNON VIPERS

Top

For the 1995-96 season the Vernon franchise changed its name to the Vernon Vipers and presently retains that name.

This edition of the franchise would establish itself as an elite junior "A" hockey team in league, regional and national levels.


Duncan Wray

Vernon Vipers Logo 1996

Duncan Wray changed the name of the team from the Vernon Lakers to the Vernon Vipers, for the start of the 1995-96 season.

GM/Coach - Rob Bremner

Under the leadership of GM/Coach Rob Bremner, 1996, was one of Vernons' best years as they finished the regular season, winning 43 games, losing 13 and tying 4. The impressive year culminated with the Vernon Vipers first and the franchises third national title.

Rob Bremner would end his association with the club after the 1995-96 season with a total coaching record of R.S. 240GP-137W-101L-2T -- P.O. 55GP-33W-22L. His Assist Coach Troy Mick would take over for him as GM/Coach for the 1996-97 season.

GM/Coach - Troy Mick

In the first two years of the club being operated by Troy Mick(1996-98), R.S. 120GP-74W-46L -- P.O. 21GP-12W-9L, they did have some success in the leagues playoffs.

Three short years after winning the inaugural 1996 Royal Bank Cup, national title, the Vernon Vipers would once again returned to the National stage, in 1999. Troy Mick and his Vernon Vipers accomplished this with an amazing regular season of 52 wins and 6 loses with 2 Ties. which is currently the franchises best season. The year ended with the Vernon Vipers capturing it's second and the franchises fourth National title.

Of note during the 1999 playoff run was the fact that the Vernon Vipers are the only British Columbia Hockey League team to lose to a team from the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League. they lost one game, 7-6, in a best-of-five Provincial series, to the Kimberly Dynamiters. It should also be noted however, that Vernon played with a Junior "B" backup goaltender in the loss due to injuries of their regular goaltenders.

Following the 1999 National Championship season, Troy Mick(1999-2000), R.S. 60GP-35W-25L -- P.O. 18GP-9W-9L who always said,"We don't rebuild, We reload", once again journeyed to the League Finals. This would not end Troy Micks' run with the club, as Coach, however, he did leave after the season recording an over-all record, so far, of R.S. 300GP-185W-115L -- P.O. 68GP-43W-25L.

GM/Coach - Joe Oliver

Taking over for Troy Mick was his Assistant Coach, Joe Oliver(2000-01), R.S. 60GP-24W-36L. The 2000-01 season turned out to be an extreme disappointment for the franchise as the Vernon Vipers had a losing regular season thus failing to make the playoffs, for the first time since 1982. GM/Coach Joe Oliver, needless to say, did not return for the next season.

GM/Coach - Mike Vandekamp

Duncan Wray would hire, as his next GM/Coach, Mike Vandekamp(2001-2005), R.S. 240GP-159W-77L-4T -- P.O. 54GP-34W-20L, he ran the club for the next four years. In those four seasons he had consecutive years of some playoff success. Having maintained a competitive level for the club, in his four years, Mike Vandekamp would be replaced for the next season.

GM/Coach - Troy Mick

Returning for one last "kick at the can" was none other than "fan favorite" GM/Coach, Troy Mick(2005-06). However, Troy would step down prior to season start citing health issues. Troy Mick ended his run with the Vipers after this season with a overall coaching record of R.S. 300GP-185W-115L -- P.O. 68GP-43W-25L.

GM/Coach - Berni Pimm

Troys' Associate Coach would be promoted to GM/Head Coach, Berni Pimm(2005-06) R.S. 60GP-36W-22L-2T -- P.O. 10GP-5W-5L. This season however, would be disappointing as, the club exited the playoffs in the first round.

GM/Coach - Mark Holick

Up next for the position of 2006-07 Vernon Vipers GM/Coach was Mark Holick(2007-08), R.S. 60GP-37W-22L-1T -- P.O. 22GP-14W-8L. Mark helped the club to advance to the League finals. Mark Holick did not return for the following season.

GM/Coach - Mark Ferner

Coming over from the Kamloops Blazers organization, to be the next GM/Coach was Mark Ferner(2007-11), R.S. 240GP-165W-68L-7T -- P.O. 98GP-70W-28L, who would lead the club for the next four seasons.

After the team was eliminated in the second round of the 2008 league playoffs. He would maneuvered the club to not one but, two national titles.

In 2009 the Vernon Vipers swept through the league playoffs only losing five games. They would then go undefeated the rest of the way to the national tournament. Even in the tournament they went undefeated to the finals, which they also won. This would be the franchises fifth national title and third for the Vernon Vipers.

Once again, in 2010, the Vernon Vipers would win a national title. This accomplishment is only the third time a team has won back-to-back National Championships, he others being the Prince Albert Raiders (1981 & 1982) and the Vernon Lakers (1990 & 1991). This would also, make the Vernon junior A franchise the only one to win back-to-back twice. To add one more accolade, The Vernon Vipers 4th National Title ties them with the Prince Albert Raiders, although it is the 6th for the Franchise which is a Canadian Record.

A special note on the 2010-11 season for the Vipers was that of the 60 regular season games played 20 went to overtime. Their record for those overtime games is, 20GP - 7W - 9L - 4T. 1\3 of a season went to overtime, gotta be some sort of record!

Mark Ferner would leave the Vipers after the 2010-11 season to pursue other interests.

GM/Coach - Jason Williamson

To replace Mark Ferner, Duncan Wray would hire Marks Assistant Coach, former player and Captain(02) of the Vipers, Jason Williamson.

GM/Head Coach Jason Williamson(2011-14), R.S. 174GP-81W-87L-6T -- P.O. 24GP-12W-12L, and the Vernon Vipers failed to make the playoffs in back-to-back years. This is only the second time in franchise history that this occurred.

The Vipers would return to winning ways in 2013-14. The Vipers advanced thru the three rounds before falling in the league final. However, the Vipers were earlier chosen to host the National Tournament, where they advanced as far as the semifinals. This would signal the end of Jason Williamsons job with the Vernon Vipers.

GM/Coach - Mark Ferner

The next GM/Head Coach would be a familiar face to Viper fans as Mark Ferner(2014-19), R.S. 290GP-155W-126L-9T -- P.O. 59GP-33W-26L, would return to the fold. In his 4 years at the helm, he had the team in the playoffs for each one.

If you have anything to add please, feel free to email me at ( admin "at" vernonjrahockey "dot" ca )


Libby Wray

Vernon Vipers Logo 1996

Vipers Owner, Dr. Duncan Wray , passed away on January 11, 2018. His wife Libby became owner and governor upon his passing.

NOTE: Since buying the team in 1992, Duncan Wray became known as a very hands-on team owner, always interacting with fans, and watching his Vipers play. During Duncans's time as the Vipers owner, the team won twelve (12) Interior Conference pennants, three (3) BCHL regular season titles, seven (7) BCHL Championships, and six (6) Doyle Cups, four (4) National Championships plus one runner up. Duncan Wray was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011, with his 1998-99 Vernon Vipers following suit in 2016.

If you have anything to add please, feel free to email me at ( admin "at" vernonjrahockey "dot" ca )

Top


John & Tom Glen

Vernon Vipers Logo 2019

The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club announced an ownership change September 7, 2018. The Club had been sold by owner Libby Wray and had been purchased by Tom and John Glen.

GM/Coach - Mark Ferner

After dealing with the after math of Duncan Wrays death, Mark Ferner continued on as GM/Head Coach for the new owners. In his last year with the club Mark Ferner would guide them to the league final. Mark Ferners total coaching record for the Vernon Vipers is a respectable = Mark Ferner(2007-11 & 2014-19), R.S. 530GP-320W-194L-16T -- P.O. 157GP-103W-54L.

With two national titles, a winning percentage of 60% in the regular season and a winning percentage of 65% for the playoffs, Mark Ferner is without a doubt the best coach the Vernon Vipers have EVER had.

GM/Coach - Jason McKee

The Vernon Vipers new owners Tom and John Glen decided to replace Mark Ferner with, an associate of theirs, Jason Mckee.

GM/Head Coach, Jason McKee(58-30-24-2-2 64pts) had some success in his first year(2019-20), however the entire playoffs were canceled, after the leagues first round, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The Covid Panemic continued into the 2020-21 season however, the Provincial Health Office eased restrictions enough to allow the league to play an extended exhibition/traning season from September 25 to November 19. The "Okanagan Cup' tournament was established, for this pre-season, which included Penticton, Salmon Arm and West Kelowna. Penticton defeated the Vipers in the final to take the cup. For the 20 game regular season the Vipers played in a so called "POD" along with Salmon Arm and West Kelowna. The Vipers claimed top spot, recording a record of 13-5-1-1 for 28 points.

Coach McKee guided the 2021-22 Vipers to a record of 54-27-20-4-3-0 (27W & 27L)for 61 points. They placed 10th in the BCHL and 6th in the Interior Conference. In the playoffs they lost to West Kelowna, 4-1.

McKee guides the 2022-23 Vipers to a record of 54-27-21-2-4 (27W & 27L)for 60 points. They placed 11th in the BCHL and 6th in the Interior Conference. In the playoffs they defeated West Kelowna, 4-2 and lost to Salmon Arm, 4-1. What was notable about this season was the amount of player turnover during the early part of the regular season.

McKee guided the 2023-24 Vipers to a record of 44 GP - 26 W - 16 L - 1 otL for 53 points. He was let go from the Vipers organization on Februray 25, 2024 after some sort of player interaction/discipline after a 4-2 loss to Prince George.

Over-all as GM/Head Coach, Jason McKee's Vernon Vipers record sits at (Regular Season 230GP-123W-107L, Playoffs 21GP-10W-11L) for a 53.68 winning percentage.

Coach - Lucas Lomicky

Assistant Coach Lucas Lomicky assumed the role of "head coach"(no official title) along with Colton Robinson as his assisitant following the firing of Jason McKee.

If you have anything to add please, feel free to email me at ( admin "at" vernonjrahockey "dot" ca )

Top

VERNON VIPERS HIGHLIGHTS

Since their inaugural 1995-96 season, the Vernon Vipers, have achieved the following...

Top

SEASON BY SEASON OVERVIEW

Below you will find a brief overview of the each season.

Top



INTERIOR CHAMPION
Ryan Hatfield Trophy
LEAGUE CHAMPION
Nat Bailey Cup / Subway Cup / Fred Page Cup
BRITISH COLUMBIA CHAMPION
Mowat Cup
BRITISH COLUMBIA VS ALBERTA CHAMPION
Doyle Cup
WESTERN CANADA CHAMPION
Abbott Cup / Western Canada Cup
NATIONAL CHAMPION
Centennial Cup / Royal Bank Cup
VERNON VIPERS
Season League
Division
Regular Season Playoffs
Rank GP W L T PTs GF GA GP W L GF GA Result / Series-Score / Opponent
1995-96 BCHL
Interior
2nd
1st
60 43 17 0 90 324 219 30 23 7 156 102
Won Quarterfinals, 4-1 (Naniamo)
Won Semifinals, 4-0 (Cowichan Valley)
Won League Finals, 4-1 (Langley)
Won Mowat Cup, 3-0 (Prince George)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-3 (Saint Albert)
3rd Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 7-4 (Newmarket)
Won Royal Bank Cup, 2-0 (Melfort)
Lost Abbott Cup* Game, 1-5 (Melfort), [RBC-RR]
1996-97 BCHL
Interior
2nd
1st
60 41 19 0 87 339 212 14 9 5 56 50
Won Quarterfinals, 4-0 (Merritt)
Won Semifinals, 4-1 (Trail)
Lost League Finals, 1-4 (Surrey)
1997-98 BCHL
Interior
3rd
2nd
60 33 27 0 74 251 229 7 3 4 17 25

Lost Quarterfinals, 3-4 (Trail)
1998-99 BCHL
Interior
1st
1st
60 52 8 0 106 305 145 29 22 7 150 88
Won Con.Semifinals, 4-1 (Merritt)
Won Con. Finals, 4-0 (Prince George)
Won League Finals, 4-1 (Chilliwack)
Won Mowat Cup, 3-1 (Kimberly)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-1 (Calgary)
4th Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 3-2 (Bramalea)
Won Royal Bank Cup, 9-3 (Charlottetown)
Won Abbott Cup* Game, 3-2 (Estevan),[RBC-RR]
1999-00 BCHL
Interior
5th
2nd
60 35 25 0 75 242 216 18 9 9 56 64
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-2 (Prince George)
Won Con. Finals, 4-3 (Merritt)
Lost League Finals, 1-4 (Chilliwack)
2000-01 BCHL
Interior
12th
5th
60 24 36 0 58 203 225 DID NOT QUALIFIY FOR PLAYOFFS
2001-02 BCHL
Interior
4th
1st
60 33 27 0 72 243 205 17 10 7 52 40
Won Preliminaries, 4-0 (Merritt)
Won Con. Finals, 4-3 (Penticton)
Lost League Finals, 2-4 (Chilliwack)
2002-03 BCHL
Interior
1st
1st
60 47 13 0 95 273 150 18 14 4 63 35
Won Preliminaries, 4-0 (Penticton)
Won Con. Finals, 4-0 (Trail)
Won League Finals, 4-0 (Chilliwack)
Lost Doyle Cup, 2-4 (Camrose)
2003-04 BCHL
Interior
4th
2nd
60 37 22 1 82 233 182 5 1 4 13 17

Lost Preliminaries, 0-4 (Trail)
2004-05 BCHL
Interior
2nd
1st
60 42 15 3 93 232 156 14 9 5 40 41
Won Div. Semifinals, 4-0 (Penticton)
Won Con. Finals, 4-1 (Prince George)
Lost League Finals, 1-4 (Surrey)
2005-06 BCHL
Interior
6th
3rd
60 36 22 2 78 205 165 10 5 5 32 29
Won Div. Quarterfinals, 4-1 (Prince George)
Lost Div. Semifinals, 1-4 (Salmon Arm)
2006-07 BCHL
Interior
5th
2nd
60 37 22 1 78 246 193 22 14 8 70 53
Won Con. Quarterfinals, 4-2 (Westside)
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-1 (Trail)
Won Con. Finals, 4-1 (Penticton)
Lost League Finals, 2-4 (Nanaimo)
2007-08 BCHL
Interior
5th
4th
60 36 22 2 76 238 185 10 6 4 35 31
Won Eliminations, 3-0 (Trail)
Lost Con. SemiFinals, 4-3 (Penticton)
2008-09 BCHL
Interior
2nd
1st
60 42 17 1 88 223 145 27 22 5 104 29
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-1 (Penticton)
Won Con. Finals, 4-2 (Salmon Arm)
Won League Finals, 4-2 (Powell River)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-0 (Grande Prairie)
1st Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 6-3 (Kingston)
Won Royal Bank Cup, 2-0 (Humboldt)
2009-10 BCHL
Interior
1st
1st
60 51 9 0 105 298 119 32 21 11 117 80
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-2 (Quesnel)
Won Con. Finals, 4-2 (Penticton)
Won League Finals, 4-3 (Powell River)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-3 (Spruce Grove)
2nd Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 2-0 (Brockville)
Won Royal Bank Cup, 8-1 (Dauphin)
2010-11 BCHL
Interior
2nd
1st
60 36 20 4 85 197 141 28 21 7 93 67
Won Con. Semifinals, 4-2 (Westside)
Won Con. Finals, 4-2 (Salmon Arm)
Won League Finals, 4-0 (Powell River)
Won Doyle Cup, 4-3 (Spruce Grove)
1st Royal Bank Cup Round-robin
Won RBC Semifinal, 4-1 (Wellington)
Lost Royal Bank Cup, 2-0 (Pembroke)
2011-12 BCHL
Interior
9th
5th
60 30 29 1 63 208 193 DID NOT QUALIFIY FOR PLAYOFFS
2012-13 BCHL
Interior
13th
6th
56 21 34 1 52 139 170 DID NOT QUALIFIY FOR PLAYOFFS
2013-14 BCHL
Interior
7th
3rd
58 30 24 4 70 181 175 24 12 12 66 58
Won Div. Semifinal 4-2 (West Kelowna)
Won Div. Finals 4-3 (Penticton)
1st Round-robin 1-0 (Victoria) & 1-0 (Coquitlam)
Lost League Finals 0-4 (Coquitlam)
~ Hosts ~
Royal Bank Cup
2nd, Round-robin(2-2)
Lost Semifinal, 6-3 (Yorkton)
2014-15 BCHL
Interior
4th
2nd
58 36 21 1 76 218 161 11 7 4 32 31
Won Div. Semifinal 4-0 (Merritt)
Lost Div. Finals 4-3 (Penticton)
2015-16 BCHL
Interior
12th
4th
58 24 34 0 51 179 206 5 1 4 9 21

Lost Div. Semifinal 1-4 (Penticton)
2016-17 BCHL
Interior
6th
2nd
58 30 24 4 69 181 158 12 7 5 40 27
Won Div. Semifinal 4-1 (Trail)
Lost Div. Finals 3-4 (Penticton)
2017-18 BCHL
Interior
2nd
2nd
58 39 15 4 83 205 118 10 6 4 24 19
Won Div. Quarter-final 4-0 (Salmon Arm)
Lost Div. Semifinal 2-4 (Wenatchee)
2018-19 BCHL
Interior
8th
4th
58 26 32 0 63 166 160 21 12 9 61 53
Won Div. Quarter-final 4-1 (Salmon Arm)
Won Div. Semifinal 4-3 (Trail)
Won Div. Final 4-1 (Wenatchee)
Lost BCHL Finals 4-0 (Prince George)
2019-20 BCHL
Interior
8th
5th
58 30 28 - 64 174 178 5 4 1 23 11
Won Div. Quarter-final 4-1 (Wenatchee)
PLAYOFFS CANCELLED (March 13)
DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
2020-21 POD 1st 20 13 7 - 28 69 55 0 0 0 0 0
NO PLAYOFFS DUE TO
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
2021-22 BCHL
Interior
10th
6th
54 27 27 0 61 152 154 5 1 4 14 26
Lost Div QuarterFinals 1-4, (West Kelowna)
2022-23 BCHL
Interior
11th
6th
54 27 27 0 60 160 164 11 5 6 36 36
Won Div QuarterFinals 4-2, (West Kelowna)
Lost Div. Semifinal 4-1 (Salmon Arm)
2023-24 BCHL
Interior
-th
-th
54 - - - - - - - - - - -
Team Totals 1610 958 607 45 - - - 386 244 142 - -
-

Note:
Loses may include any Over Time Loses & Shoot Out Loses
Total Points may include any Over Time Loses & Shoot Out Loses Points
N/A = Not Applicable

Top